Last week, Ken Gilbertie retired from the Westport Fire Department.
He spent 32 years as a dispatcher. He also served as a firefighter with the Westport Volunteer Fire Department since 1982, retiring with the rank of deputy chief.
Alert — and inspired — “06880” reader Dan Paliotta writes: “As a volunteer firefighter myself, I have had the incredible opportunity to serve alongside Ken for 7 years. As a dispatcher, he was the first line of communication for the public. He was the calm voice behind the scenes in chaotic and often life-threatening situations. If you’ve ever needed our town’s fire services, chances are your call was answered and dispatched by Ken.
Ken Gilbertie (Photo/David Friedman for MSNBC.com)
“As deputy chief of the Volunteer Department, Ken has also worked on the front lines, responding to countless incidents across town and assisting hands on.
“Whether behind the scenes as a dispatcher or on the front lines fighting fires as a volunteer, Ken has saved countless lives throughout his 30+ years of service to our community.”
Thanks, Ken, for your service. You are a true Unsung Hero.
(In 2011, MSNBC interviewed Ken Gilbertie. Click here for that story. To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)